Spiti Valley Bike Trip
- Duration: 11 Days
- Highest Points: (4600 m)
- Best Time: May, June, September and October
The Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya Mountains in the north-eastern part of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India.
Day 1: Delhi – Manali (560km/12hrs)
The Bike expedition will start from Delhi; our team will be receiving you from the pickup point and we will be heading towards Manali the valley of gods. The journey from Delhi to Manali will approximately be an 11-12 hours journey and it will surely be all fun as it will keep you all excited and enthusiastic about your bike trip to Spiti valley. Volvo will be the in charge of your comfort concerns during overnight journeys.
Day 2: Arrive Manali – Local City Tour
We will drop in at Manali in the morning and check-in to the hotels and take some rest. After that the bikes will be handed over to you along with the detailed information about the routes, maps, destinations, rules and regulations which will be provided to you by our team. Now you are ready to take a local city tour of Manali where you witness the charming beauty of nature with a historical and mythological touch in it, the places that are worth visiting are: Hadimba Temple , Local Tibetan Monasteries, Nature Reserve and Old Manali (swaying eucalyptus, lovely roads, sweet little eateries, small kitschy marketplaces and cafes that serve your favourite continental food), Manu Maharishi temple (one and only temple in India dedicated to Rishi Manu after whom the town is named). And after enjoying the appetizing local food of Manali the night stay will be at the hotel.
Day 3: Manali to Rampur (197km)
After having some yummy breakfast, we ride on for 197 kilometres while heading on towards Rampur it has all the modern facilities and it can be used as stopover before the long journey to Lahaul Spiti. Rampur is a small commercial hub. Satluj River is at lower height than the surrounding areas. Arriving at Rampur will be all for the first day of our trip from Manali. Stay will be overnight at Rampur in camps directly under a luminous star-studded sky with exhilarating Campfire.
Day 4: Rampur to Chitkul (133km)
After enjoying some enticing breakfast we will start riding towards Chitkul-The Crown of Kinnaur. While travelling to Chitkul valley, river Baspa will be at your right side. On the way you will pass through Rakcham village. There are several camp sites located within the apple gardens by the side of Baspa River. It is situated at an altitude of 3450 Metre. (11,345 ft.), this makes it the highest village of Baspa Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border. The Indian road ends here. Arriving at Chitkul, the overnight stay will be in camps.
Day 5: Chitkul to Tabo (200km)
We start riding towards Tabo it is a small town in the Lahaul and Spiti district on the banks of the Spiti River in Himachal Pradesh, India. Tabo is a typical Himalayan village on Rekong Peo and Kaza highway in Lahaul-Spiti region of Indian state of Himachal Pradesh around high mountains. The small village Tabo located at bank of river Spiti and situated on 10,000 ft. above sea level. Tabo is famous for its ancient monastery; this monastery is awarded with World Heritage site by UNESCO. Tabo Monastery also known as “Himalayan Ajanta “ due to number of collection of fresco, painted on wall. These fresco was painted by Kashmiri artists by using herbal colors, you can find “Jataka Tales” is painted throughout the wall. On arrival check-in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Tabo to Kaza (48km)
In morning we will be riding to Kaza and here you are into the Spiti Valleys. Kaza, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh is a famous and important town in the Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district. Situated on a ridge 11,980 ft above sea level, Kaza is a very beautiful place to visit. Kaza is overlooked by high mountain ridges on all sides. The town is entirely surrounded by greenery and is rich in flora and fauna. Kaza Travel guide is incomplete without a mention of its natural beauty and serene vegetation. The town is divided in two parts- The old and the new. The old town is located on the outer edge of the city and the major attraction here is an ancient monastery. Now, you have your bike and awe-inspiring with its shining colours to be explored rest of the day. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 7: Kaza Excursion Day to Key monastery, Langza, Komic, Hikkim villages
After having breakfast, we will explore the magnificient beauty of Kaza. We will visit the Key Gompa Monastery and nestled between the mountains in a bowl shaped area in the Spiti Valley is a small remote village named Langza. This village is situated at an altitude of 14,500 feet above sea level in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Langza is also considered to be one of the highest villages in the world with a motorable road. And Komic the world’s highest village with a road. Hikkim is a village in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. It is near to the Kaza location. It is one of the highest year-round inhabited locations in India, with residences from 4330 to 4400 meters. Overnight stay will be at hotel
Day 8:Kaza to Chandratal (100km)
From Kaza we will ride towards Chandratal here is also a motorable road available till a parking made 2km before the lake. ‘Chandra Tal’ (meaning the Lake of the Moon), or Chandra Tal is situated in the Spiti part of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. It is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas. Mountains overlook the lake on one side, and a magnificent cirque presents a view on the other. Chandra Tal offers magnificent view at night (after sunset). While temperature drops below Zero degree Celsius during pre-winter, the sky is filled count-less stars & offers Spectacular Milky way view. After having dinner we will spend the night at campsite and doze off in the tents under the dazzling sky.
Day 9:Chandratal to Manali to Delhi (120km)
Early morning after having breakfast, we start riding back toward Manali. After reaching Manali, it is time to say goodbye to your best companion, the bike which has been your best buddy throughout the entire adventurous trip. This will be the end of motor biking. Bye the evening we will depart for Delhi by Volvo bus.
Day 10:Delhi (Trip Ends Here)
We will arrive at Delhi around 10 A.M. in the morning and now you have a bunch of good friends an extra luggage to carry home and that is a bag full of adventurous fun-filled memories to cherish for lifetime.
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Spiti Valley Bike Trip , you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Spiti Valley Bike Trip . Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Spiti Valley Bike Trip
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Black Peak Winter trek, you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Spiti Valley Bike Trip .
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Black Peak in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Spiti Valley Bike Trip , when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Spiti Valley Bike Trip in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Spiti Valley Bike Trip to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Spiti Valley Bike Trip difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Black Peak Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Spiti Valley Bike Trip map and ways to avoid them.
Spiti Valley Bike Trip
- Duration: 11 Days
- Highest Points: (4600 m)
- Best Time: May, June, September and October
The Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya Mountains in the north-eastern part of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India.
Day 1: Delhi – Manali (560km/12hrs)
The Bike expedition will start from Delhi; our team will be receiving you from the pickup point and we will be heading towards Manali the valley of gods. The journey from Delhi to Manali will approximately be an 11-12 hours journey and it will surely be all fun as it will keep you all excited and enthusiastic about your bike trip to Spiti valley. Volvo will be the in charge of your comfort concerns during overnight journeys.
Day 2: Arrive Manali – Local City Tour
We will drop in at Manali in the morning and check-in to the hotels and take some rest. After that the bikes will be handed over to you along with the detailed information about the routes, maps, destinations, rules and regulations which will be provided to you by our team. Now you are ready to take a local city tour of Manali where you witness the charming beauty of nature with a historical and mythological touch in it, the places that are worth visiting are: Hadimba Temple , Local Tibetan Monasteries, Nature Reserve and Old Manali (swaying eucalyptus, lovely roads, sweet little eateries, small kitschy marketplaces and cafes that serve your favourite continental food), Manu Maharishi temple (one and only temple in India dedicated to Rishi Manu after whom the town is named). And after enjoying the appetizing local food of Manali the night stay will be at the hotel.
Day 3: Manali to Rampur (197km)
After having some yummy breakfast, we ride on for 197 kilometres while heading on towards Rampur it has all the modern facilities and it can be used as stopover before the long journey to Lahaul Spiti. Rampur is a small commercial hub. Satluj River is at lower height than the surrounding areas. Arriving at Rampur will be all for the first day of our trip from Manali. Stay will be overnight at Rampur in camps directly under a luminous star-studded sky with exhilarating Campfire.
Day 4: Rampur to Chitkul (133km)
After enjoying some enticing breakfast we will start riding towards Chitkul-The Crown of Kinnaur. While travelling to Chitkul valley, river Baspa will be at your right side. On the way you will pass through Rakcham village. There are several camp sites located within the apple gardens by the side of Baspa River. It is situated at an altitude of 3450 Metre. (11,345 ft.), this makes it the highest village of Baspa Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border. The Indian road ends here. Arriving at Chitkul, the overnight stay will be in camps.
Day 5: Chitkul to Tabo (200km)
We start riding towards Tabo it is a small town in the Lahaul and Spiti district on the banks of the Spiti River in Himachal Pradesh, India. Tabo is a typical Himalayan village on Rekong Peo and Kaza highway in Lahaul-Spiti region of Indian state of Himachal Pradesh around high mountains. The small village Tabo located at bank of river Spiti and situated on 10,000 ft. above sea level. Tabo is famous for its ancient monastery; this monastery is awarded with World Heritage site by UNESCO. Tabo Monastery also known as “Himalayan Ajanta “ due to number of collection of fresco, painted on wall. These fresco was painted by Kashmiri artists by using herbal colors, you can find “Jataka Tales” is painted throughout the wall. On arrival check-in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Tabo to Kaza (48km)
In morning we will be riding to Kaza and here you are into the Spiti Valleys. Kaza, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh is a famous and important town in the Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district. Situated on a ridge 11,980 ft above sea level, Kaza is a very beautiful place to visit. Kaza is overlooked by high mountain ridges on all sides. The town is entirely surrounded by greenery and is rich in flora and fauna. Kaza Travel guide is incomplete without a mention of its natural beauty and serene vegetation. The town is divided in two parts- The old and the new. The old town is located on the outer edge of the city and the major attraction here is an ancient monastery. Now, you have your bike and awe-inspiring with its shining colours to be explored rest of the day. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 7: Kaza Excursion Day to Key monastery, Langza, Komic, Hikkim villages
After having breakfast, we will explore the magnificient beauty of Kaza. We will visit the Key Gompa Monastery and nestled between the mountains in a bowl shaped area in the Spiti Valley is a small remote village named Langza. This village is situated at an altitude of 14,500 feet above sea level in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Langza is also considered to be one of the highest villages in the world with a motorable road. And Komic the world’s highest village with a road. Hikkim is a village in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. It is near to the Kaza location. It is one of the highest year-round inhabited locations in India, with residences from 4330 to 4400 meters. Overnight stay will be at hotel
Day 8:Kaza to Chandratal (100km)
From Kaza we will ride towards Chandratal here is also a motorable road available till a parking made 2km before the lake. ‘Chandra Tal’ (meaning the Lake of the Moon), or Chandra Tal is situated in the Spiti part of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. It is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas. Mountains overlook the lake on one side, and a magnificent cirque presents a view on the other. Chandra Tal offers magnificent view at night (after sunset). While temperature drops below Zero degree Celsius during pre-winter, the sky is filled count-less stars & offers Spectacular Milky way view. After having dinner we will spend the night at campsite and doze off in the tents under the dazzling sky.
Day 9:Chandratal to Manali to Delhi (120km)
Early morning after having breakfast, we start riding back toward Manali. After reaching Manali, it is time to say goodbye to your best companion, the bike which has been your best buddy throughout the entire adventurous trip. This will be the end of motor biking. Bye the evening we will depart for Delhi by Volvo bus.
Day 10:Delhi (Trip Ends Here)
We will arrive at Delhi around 10 A.M. in the morning and now you have a bunch of good friends an extra luggage to carry home and that is a bag full of adventurous fun-filled memories to cherish for lifetime.
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Spiti Valley Bike Trip , you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Spiti Valley Bike Trip . Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Spiti Valley Bike Trip
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Black Peak Winter trek, you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Spiti Valley Bike Trip .
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Black Peak in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Spiti Valley Bike Trip , when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Spiti Valley Bike Trip in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Spiti Valley Bike Trip to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Spiti Valley Bike Trip difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Black Peak Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Spiti Valley Bike Trip map and ways to avoid them.